Program Overview

Becoming an early childhood educator takes an equal amount of heart, knowledge, and skill. As a preschool teacher or childcare provider, you have the responsibility of caring for young children and nurturing their abilities in art, music, language, social interaction, and other developmental activities. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), you will hone your skills right on campus in our own college preschool where you will practice working with young children and helping them adjust to their first school experiences.

This program covers a range of topics related to the mental, physical, and emotional needs of growing children. You will also learn techniques for resolving problems in a positive manner and how to effectively communicate with parents, administrators, and other specialists. We offer a number of classes at night or online to help accommodate your busy schedule. Students in this program have the option of doing the fieldwork in their own work setting or at our campus preschool.

What will you learn to do?

• Provide quality care and education for young children
• Understand various stages of child development
• Use learning theory to enhance your interactions with children, from birth to age eight
• Effectively teach and nurture infants and toddlers
• Develop and execute age appropriate curriculum
• Set up and maintain a healthy, safe environment
• Incorporate nutrition into meals and snacks
• Educate and partner with parents
• Supervise and administrate all aspects of a child care facility, including finances, enrollment, food service, human resources, and interagency communications

What kind of degree(s) can you earn?

• Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) – approximately two years
• Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) – approximately 16 months
• Technical Certificate (TC) – approximately one year
• Postsecondary Technical Certificate (PTC) – usually less than one year

What else should you know?

This program involves classroom instruction as well as practical experience in our preschool lab or early-childhood programs throughout the community. The program offers day and evening classes. Part-time students are accommodated. Students may use their classroom to complete practicum with children if the program meets certain requirements.